Analyze, compare, and discuss the musical styles and philosophies of Louis Armstrong and Bix Beiderbecke. Discuss their musical backgrounds and influences, as well as the political and/or social conditions shaped their musical lives. Focus on the “hot jazz” approach of Armstrong in contrast to the “cool, reflective” side of Beiderbecke. Investigate the reasons for Armstrong’s world-wide popularity as opposed to Beiderbecke’s relative obscurity.
